On Sunday I drove for an hour and a half in the pouring rain, up a winding mountain road, to attend my first wellness retreat.
Was it worth it? You betcha!
Believe it or not, I didn’t take any photos or post on social media; I just wanted to embrace the experience. (Okay, I will confess I took a couple of selfies with the resident dog, but the pics were so rubbish I couldn’t use them).
It is hard to put into words, exactly *what* I gleaned from Wellness in the Wilderness. Some things are intangible but that doesn’t make the effect any less real.
Although there was a program, it was actually a very fluid day, facilitated by a psychologist, a yoga instructor, and a nutritionist. We were a small group, all women, barring one of the facilitators; there were smiles, laughter and tears, as we shared a very special day together.
There was much that I found valuable – starting from the check-in session, where we each gave a snapshot of what had brought us to the retreat. Seriously, how often do we stop and work out exactly where we are at, let alone verbalise it to others?
The chi gong and yoga sessions really helped to calm me, and truly relax. We stretched. We breathed deeply. We had a conversation with any strong emotions that we were feeling. We heard about the practice of mindfulness. We learned from our facilitators, and from each other.
Here are just some of the words of wisdom that really resonated with me, from the day:
- What am I willing to let go of, to get what I really want?
- What is the worst thing that can happen (in a particular situation)?
- Out of patience comes kindness … kindness shouldn’t be something we “try” to do … it can become as natural as breathing.
- Getting published will not heal your life, but writing everyday will (even if it’s just a sentence a day)!
- Take life one breath at a time.
- and perhaps my favourite: Rest brings grace.
We talked about the grip that sugar has on our society and our lives (hi, my name’s Janet and I’m a sugar addict), and sampled some delectable treats to prove that good food can taste great: date and walnut muffins; vegetable sticks with the best hommus I have ever tasted; wraps; protein balls; fresh fruit; herbal teas.
It was a brilliant experience but I must confess – by the end of the day my body was screaming for a cup of tea (strong, white, one sugar)!
Have you ever been on a wellness retreat? What did you glean from it?
Deborah says
When I lived overseas (was a diplomat) I went to a health retreat near the Gold Coast for 3wks. It was life changing at the time and really made me question the kind of life I was living. I was stressed out of my brain. Had terrible eye tics etc…
I lost some weight obviously but the main thing people noticed when I returned to East Timor was how different and less stressed my face looked.
I also went to a fat camp years later but it wasn’t very retreat-like. Involved minimal calories (def no sugar) and lots of exercise. Not fun at all!
Janet Camilleri says
Three whole weeks! I hope it wasn’t a sugar-free retreat like the one I went on … I’d die! Fat camp sounds really miserable, that’s one for my anti bucket list I think!
Seana Smith says
Sounds divine, I really fancu going away to do a couple of hours of yoga a day and to eat scrumptious healthy food – yum. Good on your for leaving cameras etc behind and really taking time out.
Janet Camilleri says
It was very gentle yoga, very meditation and breathing based. I loved it.
Denyse Whelan says
That sounded like it was just what you needed right then. And a cup of tea once you got home!
Janet Camilleri says
I really wanted hubster to come with me – he is SO stressed with work – but he wasn’t budging. Still, he was very receptive to my learnings when I got home.
Lyndall @ Seize The Day Project says
I spent a week at a place called Solar Springs, south of Sydney, about 20 years ago. It was a week of relaxation, healthy eating, mild exercise and massage … and it was bliss! I’d go again in a heartbeat (Just Googling it now… ) LOL! #TeamLovinLife
Janet Camilleri says
Can I come with you Lyndall?!
Sally says
Beautifully expressed Janet. It was so lovely to meet you and I’m thrilled the retreat resonated with you and nourished you in so many ways. Very warmest wishes, Sally
Janet Camilleri says
Thank YOU so much for being one of the reasons it was such a welcoming and nurturing event! x
Kathy Marris says
Sounds fab Janet. I’ve never been to a health retreat but I’d like to. My daughter and I often talk about doing a Yoga Retreat in Bali together. One day!
Janet Camilleri says
That does sound good!!!!
budget jan says
I like the sound of what you experienced Janet. I’m like Kathy and have considered a mother/daughter Yoga health retreat in Bali. Deb’s 3 week experience would have been life changing. I think after 3 weeks sugar would be a thing of the past.
Janet Camilleri says
Probably … but I don’t know if I could hack it!